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METAIRIE, La. -- A combination of loyalty, reality and just plain smart business brought receiver Marques Colston back to the New Orleans Saints this year, even though the 10th-year veteran had to accept a $3.2 million pay cut.

Colston, a former seventh-round draft pick who became the franchise's all-time leader in total touchdowns, receptions and receiving yards, makes it sounds like the choice was easy.

"At this point in my career, it's not necessarily about maximizing every penny of every contract," said Colston, who agreed to a pay cut from $7 million in salary and bonuses to $3.8 million -- plus another $4.6 million cut next year.

"I know for me it came down to, 'What's my priority?'" said Colston, who met with the media for the first time this offseason on Tuesday. "I probably could have went somewhere else and maybe got a little bit more money. But the priority for me was to come back to an organization that I really enjoy playing for. I enjoy coming to work every day and being in this locker room.

"And it's an organization that took a chance on me Day 1. That loyalty means something to me."


Read more: Marques Colston: Staying with Saints was worth more than money - New Orleans Saints Blog - ESPN

Related article: Saints’ Marques Colston is glad to be back and ready to help the team however he can | Saints | The Advocate — Baton Rouge, Louisiana

jlouhill

And this is why he will go down as one of the greatest Saints ever. Loyalty, a term today's sports figures have no clue what it's all about.

hagan714

the silent one speaks. whats not to like?

dizzle88

That's a very loyal guy.

I get the feeling that Colston has been thinking about "life after football" since day one in terms of money
He's not one of these guys that will go bankrupt a year after he retires.

It will be a very sad day indeed when he retires, every WR for our team should model themselves after Colston.

SapperSaint

Just made my top 5 Saints players list. I hope the Organization will be that loyal to him. I know the fans will.

Crusader

There is a reason why Colston is the only Saints player whos Jersey I have bought.

saintsfan1976

Marques Colston > Jimmy Graham

Mardigras9

He is the only active player who's Jersey I have and this type of character is exactly why. He is truly a rare player and what great all time player for the Saints.

gulfgambler

As humble as they come. Knows where he came from and knows where he's going.

Mr.Riaton

Man,we struck gold with this guy. I'm gonna miss him when he's gone. Hope we can get another 2-3 years out of him.